A Commonwealth Games bronze medal is the minimum requirement for the New Zealand men's hockey team says coach Colin Batch.
New Zealand men's hockey coach Colin Batch. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand beat Canada 3-1 in their opening match and also have pool games against Trinidad and Tobago, England and Malaysia.
New Zealand are ranked third in the Commonwealth behind world champions Australia and England.
They're in the same pool as England but will need to beat them to avoid Australia in the knockout phase.
Batch says with the Games coming so soon after the world champs is a bonus.
He says they can take a lot from that tournament.
New Zealand hockey players Dean Couzins and Phil Burrows Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Drag-flick specialist Andy Hayward has been bothered with a foot injury and his participation in the opening match is in doubt.
The Black Sticks men won the bronze medal four years ago.
